The machines are suitable for architects looking to create a precise 3D model, but this sophisticated technology is also ideal for artists. Manufacturers of gifts and personalised products find the speed of laser machines incredibly useful. Wood engraving is also very useful in schools. In this way, pupils learn what laser technology entails and what is possible when they practise laser engraving on wood. As they are allowed to use all kinds of wood during laser engraving, they can easily practise on inexpensive materials such as plywood and MDF.
Our laser cutters
Thanks to the wide range of materials it can process, our laser cutter is suitable for use in any business.
The possibilities and applications of our machines are therefore endless. From cutting small parts for scale models to cutting acrylic for bread bins in supermarkets, we have hundreds of satisfied customers across various industries.
The best-selling BRM Pro laser cutters are available in various sizes and with working areas of up to 1000 x 1600 mm. If you are looking for a larger working area, take a look at our BRM Ultra machines. These have a working area of up to 1500 x 3000 mm. These larger machines are particularly popular with manufacturing companies.
Why choose laser engraving on wood?
Waste material
Compared to a CNC milling machine, a laser engraving machine produces less waste material. The laser head does not come into contact with the material, so there is no mess to deal with.
Post-processing
In most cases, no further finishing is required. Your wooden products are finished to a high standard and ready for use straight away.
Accuracy
The engraving machine engraves wood with an accuracy of one-tenth of a millimetre and is always precise.
Service life
A BRM wood engraving machine has no tools that are prone to wear and tear and has a long service life.
Is a laser cutter right for me?
The possibilities offered by laser cutting machines are virtually limitless. For example, these machines are used in the fashion industry, the advertising industry and shipbuilding. Many companies are therefore still unsure whether a laser cutting machine could be of interest to them. Take a look at our customers’ experiences.
Buying a BRM laser engraving machine: the possibilities
Engraving and laser cutting industry
Education and FabLabs
Print and Sign
Scale model making and model building
Interior design and furniture makers
Without my laser machine, Studio Bee wouldn’t exist. BRM is a safe choice, and their prices are quite competitive too. Which makes them ideal for a start-up.
Create your own designs
Because wood engraving machines are computer-controlled, it is incredibly easy to bring your designs to life. All you need to do is send a digital file to the machine. It then knows exactly what needs to be done to ensure the wood engraving process runs smoothly. By adjusting the settings yourself, you can change the colour of the engraving. When engraving wood, the engraving is usually darker than the wood itself. You can get round this by using varnished wood. If you laser-engrave this wood at low power and high speed, the result is often a light engraving. This allows you to experiment not only with the thickness and size of the design, but also with the colour. That makes wood engraving the ideal technique for personalised products.
Sign up for a demonstration in our showroom!
A laser machine is a valuable asset for any business. Are you curious to find out what a laser can do for you?
We’d be delighted to show you the countless possibilities. Book an appointment and our specialist Eric will show you everything on offer!
Eric
Slotboom
Owner
Why choose a BRM laser cutting machine?
Top quality
A reliable machine, thanks to our ongoing quality assurance across all components.
2-year warranty
We offer a 2-year warranty on all our new laser machines.
The very best service and support
We’re here to answer any questions you may have, whenever and however you like.
Installation and instructions upon delivery
Enthusiasts who stick around until you know exactly how everything works.
What is laser engraving on wood and how does it work?
Laser engraving on wood is a non-contact machining process in which a powerful laser beam heats and burns into the surface of the wood. This creates a precise, permanent engraving without the tool ever touching the material. But how exactly does this work?
The laser beam
A BRM laser engraving machine operates using a powerful, precisely controlled laser beam. Inside the machine is a glass tube filled with a special gas mixture. When a high-voltage electric current passes through this, a laser beam is generated. This beam, which is invisible to the naked eye, is then directed onto the material using mirrors and lenses.
The focal point
The moment the concentrated laser beam strikes the surface, an intensely hot focal point is created. This causes the material at that point to melt or vaporise, resulting in a permanent engraving. This process works on various materials. You can therefore laser engrave not only wood, but also acrylic, leather, glass and even metal (provided it has been treated with a special spray).
CNC-controlled
As the machine is CNC-controlled, the entire process is fully automatic. You simply load a digital design, after which the laser operates with maximum precision. This ensures a flawless end result, time and time again.
What are the advantages of laser engraving on wood?
Engraving wood is a precise task that is best carried out as carefully as possible. There are various techniques for engraving wood: by hand, with an automated saw or with a laser machine. Are you planning to engrave wood yourself and looking for the quickest, most accurate and safest technique? Then opt for laser engraving the wood with a specialised laser machine. This technique offers a number of great advantages:
- Exceptionally fast: your design will be ready in a matter of seconds.
- Low maintenance: no wood splinters are produced and the equipment does not need to be cleaned after every use.
- Digital control: send your designs to the computer and let the laser machine reproduce them in detail.
- Minimal preparation: place the wood in the machine, set your design and you’re ready to go.
- Long service life: no matter how much wood you engrave, the equipment hardly wears out.
- Identical designs: the computer-controlled machine produces the same design in large batches.
- Easy to use: the laser machines are also suitable for beginners.
Which types of wood are suitable for laser engraving?
One of the major advantages of laser engraving on wood is that it is suitable for almost all types of wood. You can choose from:
- MDF – Produces a smooth finish without grain.
- Plywood – Versatile and ideal for both engraving and cutting.
- Solid wood (oak, birch, maple) – Gives a robust and natural look.
- Bamboo – Sustainable and perfect for laser processing.
- Veneer – Ideal for details and inlay work.
- Cork – Very suitable for flexible, light and eye-catching engravings.
Safety first with wood laser engraving
If you want to laser-engrave wood using a machine, you naturally want to be sure that this is done safely and responsibly. You don’t need to worry about this, as these machines are equipped with various safety features. For instance, you can securely enclose the work area with a cover, ensuring the laser beam is never exposed. This also prevents unpleasant odours or harmful substances from being released from the machine. You control the wood engraving machine digitally, so you needn’t worry about the safety of your hands. They won’t come anywhere near the active laser. Furthermore, the machine’s housing is sturdy and does not get hot, so bystanders can safely remain nearby whilst the wood is being engraved. As the wood effectively vaporises during laser engraving, no splinters or other wood particles are released. This makes maintenance of the machine easier, whilst also ensuring greater safety during wood engraving.
Laser engraving on wood in five steps
Would you like to laser-engrave wood? With a BRM laser engraving machine, it’s easier than you think! Whether you want to engrave a logo, text or pattern, these five simple steps will help you transfer your design onto wood with ease.
- Create your design
Create a digital design in software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW or AutoCAD. Export your design as a vector file (.DXF, .AI or .SVG). - Import the design into the laser engraving machine
Upload the design to the BRM laser engraving machine’s software and set the correct settings based on the type of wood and the desired engraving depth. - Position the wood and check the settings
Place the wood on the worktable and adjust the laser’s focus distance. This ensures maximum accuracy during engraving. - Start the laser engraving process
At the touch of a button, the laser beam begins to engrave the design. Thanks to computer-controlled precision, every detail is reproduced exactly. - Admire the final result
The process is complete within a few seconds to minutes. The engraved wood is ready for use straight away, usually without any further finishing!
Laser engraving or cutting wood?
With a BRM laser, you can both laser-engrave and laser-cut wood. Although both methods are carried out using the same laser machine, the results are different.
- Laser engraving wood
This is the process whereby a thin layer of the wood is burned away, creating a permanent image, text or pattern. This is ideal for personalisation, decoration and detailed designs.
- Laser cutting wood
This goes a step further: here, the wood is cut right through. This offers endless possibilities, such as making jigsaw pieces, decorative panels or even furniture.
With the right settings, you decide whether you want to engrave or cut. This also means you can engrave your wood first and then have it cut out. So you don’t need to move your material – now that’s efficient!
Personalise all your wooden products with a laser cutter
Do you regularly engrave wood, and are you looking for an innovative technique that takes a lot of the work off your hands? Then consider purchasing a laser machine that makes wood engraving faster, easier and more precise. You come up with the design, whilst the computer does the rest of the work. It is safe, simple to use and, above all, incredibly versatile. You can leave this machine engraving wood all day long, allowing you to personalise and mark your products in large batches.
Do you have any questions about the possibilities of laser engraving on wood? Or are you looking for advice on using a wood laser machine? Please feel free to contact BRM. We are here to provide you with tailored advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep can a laser engraving go into wood?
This depends on the laser’s power and the settings. With a BRM laser, you can create both shallow and deeper engravings.
Will the engraving on the wood remain visible over time?
Yes! With laser engraving on wood, the laser burns the engraving into the wood. This makes the engraving permanent and ensures it won’t fade.
Can I laser-engrave photos onto wood?
Absolutely! With a BRM laser, you can even engrave detailed photos and images onto wood.
Does laser engraving affect the strength of the wood?
No, as long as the engraving isn’t too deep. The surface burn has no effect on the strength of the wood.
How do I maintain my laser engraving machine?
Regular cleaning of the lens and extraction system ensures a long service life and optimal performance. And of course, you can arrange a service with us. We’ll come round to adjust and check everything. Give us a call or send us an email and we’ll schedule it for you.
How much does a BRM laser engraving machine cost?
The price depends on the size and specifications of the machine. An entry-level model starts at around €8,500, whilst larger and more powerful models can cost up to €14,795.
Can I also use a laser engraving machine for cutting?
Yes! A BRM laser engraving machine can both engrave and cut, depending on the material and the selected power.
Does a laser engraving machine require a lot of maintenance?
No, our professional BRM laser engraving machine requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning of the lenses and mirrors and checking the extraction system are sufficient to ensure optimal performance. And of course, you can arrange a service with us. We’ll come round to adjust and check everything. Call or email us and we’ll schedule it for you.
Any questions? Call +31 544 350320 or send us a message on WhatsApp.
